When you think of a sandwich, you might picture a quick, on-the-go snack. But CactusLily, a Gurugram-based sandwich shop, is redefining what a sandwich can be. By focusing on quality ingredients, unique flavors, and substantial portions, CactusLily is proving that a sandwich can be a complete, satisfying meal. Here’s how…
The Bread Makes the Difference
At CactusLily, their sandwiches are anything but ordinary. The shop takes pride in its main product line—sandwiches—and claims it always will.
The specialty? Schiacciata, a Tuscan flatbread that transforms the way people think about sandwiches.
The story of CactusLily began with a phone call between four friends—Amit Govias, Faraaz Khan, Siddesh Malvi, and Soham Banerjee—spread across Singapore, Japan, Copenhagen, and India. Their shared passion for sandwiches and the belief that India needed a dedicated sandwich shop led to the creation of CactusLily.
The mission? To bring gourmet sandwiches to India.
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Innovative Flavors
CactusLily isn’t just about making sandwiches; it’s about crafting culinary masterpieces. The brand offers unique flavor combinations you won’t find anywhere else. They believe in telling stories through their food. At CactusLily, they transform their creative experiences into delicious sandwiches. For example, the Khan Sahab, a pulled nihari open-face toast inspired by the late-night Nihari dinners in the streets of old Delhi, is a fusion of traditionally slow-cooked nihari and innovative bread, combining well-fermented sourdough with classic French brioche. These aren’t your average sandwiches; they’re a flavor adventure.
More Than a Snack
Team CactusLily believes sandwiches have been unfairly relegated to the snack category, and they’re on a mission to change that. In India, sandwiches have often been seen as something small to have between meals. They’re here to change that perception by offering larger portions with a bread-to-filling ratio of 2:1. Their goal? After enjoying one of their sandwiches, customers won’t need to think about their next meal for 4 to 5 hours.
Customer Feedback
Customers are loving it! The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. People feel full and satisfied after having one of their sandwiches. This positive response reinforces the belief that CactusLily’s sandwiches are more than just a snack—they’re a meal.
Expanding Horizons
With a repeat customer ratio of around 65-70%, CactusLily is excited about their expansion plans. By the end of the year, they aim to open stores in NCR, the West, and the South of India, with plans to expand overseas within the next 7-8 months. Their growth has been rapid. Initially starting as a humble shop in Galleria, within two weeks, they saw the potential for success. High demand led them to expand their kitchen and seating space. By the end of this year, they plan to have 4-5 outlets across the country. Their newly expanded 50-seater restaurant in Galleria will be an experience in itself. The brand wishes to keep the expansion “organic and cautious” to maintain the high quality of their sandwiches.
The Experience
The in-store experience at CactusLily is crucial. They want customers to come into the store and have the best experience possible. While they offer the convenience of online ordering, they prioritize in-store dining to ensure customers enjoy their sandwiches at their best.
Looking ahead, CactusLily plans to keep innovating. Their menu is always evolving because it’s chef-driven. They are committed to constant culinary innovation to ensure that CactusLily stays ahead of the competition and keeps customers coming back for more.
With ambitious expansion plans, unique product offerings, and a commitment to quality, CactusLily is proving that a sandwich can be much more than a snack. So, next time you’re hungry, don’t just settle for a snack—enjoy a full meal with a sandwich from CactusLily.
